The course is organized around major themes or units, each comprising two or more weeks. Each of these is important for society generally and raises questions about the future of literacy. The questions generate real controversy, and radically different opposing perspectives. Each also poses some deep challenges to conventional understandings and practices. As the semester goes along, you will see more and more interconnections among these issues. In general, the first week of each topic will introduce the basic issues at stake; the second (and sometimes third) weeks will push these issues further, uncovering additional layers that may not be immediately apparent.
Each course unit features readings, audio lectures, and exploratory activities related to a theme. Assigned readings should be seen as just the starting point for your investigations. They are the ones we're most likely to discuss in class. You should respond regularly to the readings, once a week or so in the LEEP board set up for that purpose. Additional materials are listed as supplemental (Supp.), and loads of additional material can be accessed through web searches. One required book is When information came of age, by Daniel R. Headrick. The other required readings can be purchased as a course packet from the TIS Bookstore on Sixth St.